In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Higher education loan” means any loan for undergraduate or graduate study that is obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses from: A college or university, government, or commercial source; or An organization, an institution, an association, a society, or a corporation that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. “Program” means the Howard County Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers.

In Howard County, the governing body of the county may establish a Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers employed by the Howard County Public School System. The purpose of the Program is to attract, recruit, and retain a diverse cadre of qualified teachers in the Howard County Public School System that is reflective of the student population within the county schools. Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the county shall assist in the repayment of higher education loans owed by an individual who: Receives a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university; Obtains employment as a full–time teacher in the Howard County Public School System; Commits to teach in the Howard County Public School System for a period of not less than 5 years; Receives an income that is less than the maximum eligible total income levels established by the county, including any additional sources of income; Is not in default on any student loan; and Satisfies any other criteria established under the Program by the county. An applicant for assistance in the repayment of a commercial loan shall demonstrate to the county that the commercial loan was used for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses for graduate or undergraduate study.

Loan assistance under the Program shall be in the amount and on the terms and conditions established by the county.

The Program shall be administered by the Howard County Public School System.

Funds for the Program shall be as provided on an annual basis in the county budget in an appropriation separate from the county’s appropriation to the operating budget of the Howard County Board of Education. Funds for the Program may be used to cover administrative expenses of the Program.